Willy Maykit in Space

Gr 2–5—Willy Maykit's father is a famous explorer who disappeared in the Amazon jungle more than a year ago. Despite that tragedy, the fourth grader wants to be as adventurous as his dad. On a class field trip to Planet Ed, he wanders off, following his father's mantra that there is always something interesting around the bend. Predictably, he and a friend get left behind when the class flees a violent storm. They wait for rescue, which comes in the form of Norp, a green-skinned alien, also left behind during his school field trip the previous week. He saves Willy and Cindy from the monsters that come out at night, but it's only the beginning of their troubles. Meanwhile, Willy's father finally breaks free from his jungle prison. With a snarky narrator, the story is funny and hackneyed in equal measure but pitch-perfect for the age group. The cartoon-style illustrations are amusing and plentiful and will attract reluctant and enthusiastic readers alike. Give this to fans of Jonny Zucker and Ned Woodman's "Max Flash" series (Lerner).—Gretchen Crowley, Alexandria City Public Libraries, VA